Curious

Chapter 5

Olivia’s POV

The day was perfect. Exactly what I needed. I had told them everything and Beth had promised that if she ever saw Katie in her store, she’d know about it. We all laughed because Beth was 5”3 at best and slimmer than me. I was forever grateful for these special ladies in my life. “I can’t believe he managed to keep it a secret for this long. I mean our town isn’t exactly big but to be honest I haven't actually seen him around much.” Beth said, pondering to herself. “Yeah that’s true. I only ever saw him when you were back home Olive.” Debbie frowned. She worked in the local grocery shop so obviously she saw most people most days. I gave a shrug, not really caring for this conversation anymore. The quicker I forget about him, the better. 

Slightly drunk, we stumbled into the penthouse laughing and giggling. “We need to sober up before this train ride.” My mum laughed, looking over at Debbie who was also giggling. “I’ll get you two some water!” I laughed running towards the kitchen but obviously not watching where I was going and whacked straight into something. Bracing for the impact of the floor, I felt some muscles catch me. “Careful.” He smirked at me. Brad. I opened my mouth to apologise but instead found myself looking at the dark pools in his eyes, almost hypnotising me. Brad cleared his throat and stepped back allowing me to go in the kitchen. Shaking the extremely drunk thoughts about it out of my head, I carried on my mission for water.

By 9pm, the mums had sobered up enough to endure a long train ride. Aaron had offered to drive them to the station. I gave my mum the biggest squeeze as she kissed my head and told me she loved me. Holding back the tears as reality sunk back in, I whispered back “I love you too, mum.” Feeling the change of mood, my aunty gave me a long hug and followed suit of my mum by kissing my forehead. I waved goodbye and Aaron drove away. 

“So did you like today?” Beth said beaming back up at me. I had a feeling she was massively responsible for it. Mouthing a thank you, I gave her a hug. Our moment was broken when Ollie shouted through the doorway, “You wanna join us for movie night?” Before I could respond, Beth was already dragging me to the cinema room. Just as we were settling, Aaron came back, throwing his keys onto the counter top. Brad walked in, smirking at me and giving me the once up and down, earning a raised eyebrow from me. Beth and I had changed into our PJ’s, matching ones she had brought from her shop. Pink and white striped silky shorts and button up shirt.

Brad took his place obviously next to me, reminding me of the scene the night before my world came crashing down. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much Lewis cheating on me was crushing me. I barely watched the movie as I looked at each of the pictures that I was being sent still. Even new ones still poppin out here and there, proving it was actually going on for as long as he said it was. I felt an arm wrap around me and pull me close, dark eyes looking down at me and my phone screen. I heard him let out a small tut and a shake of his head. I know i shouldn’t be looking at them but it was too damn hard. “Olivia, help me get some snacks?” Brad asked even though it sounded more like an order. We left the movie room and headed to the kitchen. I knew what was coming. A Brad style lecture. 

I stood there with an unamused look on both our faces. He motioned for me to come closer. Still slightly tipsy from a day of cocktails, I stumbled forward to him, removing any space that was between us. I saw his face come closer to mine and his body crouched down. My breath hitched and my eyes began to close. Feeling his breath close to my face, I was hesitant what was coming next. Surprisingly and almost causing me to yelp, a hand reached down and picked my whole body up and placed it on the kitchen counter. “You’re still drunk.” Brad said, looking at me with a slight smirk before walking away to the fridge. My heart felt like it was beating out my chest and my breathing definitely wasn’t normal. What the hell just happened?

“You thought I was going to kiss you.” He laughed at me, causing me to look up at him. “No I didn’t.” I tried to deny it but failed terribly. I really did think he was about to kiss me but the thing that was knocking me more was how much I really did wish he had kissed me. He shook his head, his brown almost auburn hair, shaking from his messy quiff style ever so slightly. He didn't believe, I didn’t believe me. And for the first time Olivia Bellwood was speechless.